Celebrate left handed people!

LOS ANGELES, CA - Were you lucky enough to be left handed? Oprah, Justin Bieber, and Barack Obama all were. Does it make you a genius? Or just totally unique?

Only 10% of the population leads with the left hand, so while the world is dominated by people who are right-handed, there are some pretty great advantages to being a lefty.

When it comes to one-on-one sports, southpaws have the edge! In boxing, tennis, and baseball, everyone trains to go up against right-handers. So left-handers can roll with the punches, but righties are left fumbling every time they face a lefty. They just can’t “handle” it!

Research also shows links between left-handedness and being super creative. In one study, left-handed men were better at “divergent thinking” meaning they were better at solving problems that required unusual solutions. Yes, a lifetime of trying to “make it work” in a world built for righties will do that to you. Lefties have more cognitive flexibility and a reputation for being more artistic. There’s a higher representation among architects, musicians, and art and music students.

Maestros like Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Bill Gates, Manny Pacquiao, Babe Ruth, and John McEnroe are all left-handed.

Plus, you get your own day every year, August 13, when special scissors, ink-smudged hands, and just being different are all celebrated! High five!...with your left hand.